Odisha CM said that the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme of the state is showing the way across the country. He said that the Centre’s PM-KISAN scheme has no provisions for micro, landless farmers and sharecroppers and he has therefore written a letter to Prime Minister Modi requesting inclusion of these categories of farmers in the scheme.

The chief minister today inaugurated and laid foundation of projects worth more than Rs 1,340 crore in the district. He also assured to set up a cancer hospital in the district.

Patnaik said “More than 16 lakh farmers have received assistance in the first phase of KALIA scheme while another 14 lakh will receive assistance in the second phase. I will personally ensure that no farmer in the State is deprived of assistance.”

Reacting over Odisha CM’s demands, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan alleged that the CM did not fulfil his promise of bonus to farmers made two years ago in Bargarh. He said “The Odisha CM has given Rs 5,000 assistance while PM Modi will be granting Rs 6,000 to the farmers. The Odisha government is promising Rs 10,000 under KALIA scheme, but there is no adequate provisioning in the budget for even Rs 5000 for 50 lakh people,” Pradhan added.